e eager,
hungry for excitement. Some of them were educated women, delicately
nurtured, and it seemed strange that they should find an interest in
such gruesome proceedings. Yet, with a kind of reversion to the savage
instincts of former days, they had gathered with the rest. After all,
civilisation is only a veneer, and the old, elementary, savage feelings
lie dormant in it all.

"Bakewell's for the prosecution, I suppose," said one young barrister
to another.

"Yes; and it couldn't be in better hands. I wish Stepaside were not
such a fool!"

"Why, would you like the job?"

"Like it! I should think I would! It's one of the finest
opportunities since I've been called."

"But he's no defence, man!"

"Oh, a defence could easily be made. It would give a fellow a splendid
chance. You see the case is the talk of the country, and the question
of motive has to figure largely. Why, the evidence could be riddled!
To say the least of it, one might get a verdict for manslaughter."

"You mean to say he won't give you the chance you want." And the other
laughed.

"Anyhow, it seems jolly mean of him not to allow one to make the most
of such an opportunity. You know Binkley, don't you? He's now making
thousands a year. For years he used to hang around the courts, unable
to get a brief, and then a case something like this turned up, and he
acted for the prisoner."

"But he didn't get him off."

"No; but, don't you see, it gave him his chance. His cross-examination
was clever, and his speech for the defence was so brilliant that it
gave him a reputation. It made him! After that, briefs came in like
mad. But I see time is up."

A minute later the clerk of the assizes came into the court. Then a
great hush fell upon all present. From a door at the back of the hall
came Mr. Justice Bolitho and took his seat. Immediately all eyes were
turned towards him.

"Handsome, isn't he?"

"Yes; a striking figure of a man."

"Isn't it strange though? Only a year or two ago he and Stepaside
fought for the Brunford seat. They ran neck and neck too, and he got
in. Of course that was before he was made a judge. Do you know what
Stepaside said when the figures were announced? He said that he and
Bolitho would meet again, and always to fight; and now it's come to
this!"

"Ay; and he appeared against him years ago, when he was up for the
riot. Then he only got him sent to gaol for six months, and now it
seems as